Roberts told the NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen programme that it is a “level of optimism that’s really contagious”.

“We have to recognise that where we are with record beef prices across all classes of cattle, that’s territory we have never been in this industry ever.”.

“I think we also got to recognise there are some areas that are still struggling with drought like in the far western areas of the US, in California, but outside of that pocket, obviously moisture conditions have improved greatly.”

“So we see this balance between of beef producers, no matter what segment they’re in, they’re balancing this area of planning and managing.”

“You look at feedlot operators today, they are managing lower occupancy rates and the challenges that come with that, with some profitability now”.

“I see families that have really been able to in the last year reap the rewards and enjoy the rewards that some of them have worked an entire lifetime to achieve.”

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is the national trade association representing U.S. cattle producers.

Watch full interview here: